This browser does not support the Video element.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Minneapolis resident raised concerns about a proposal to bring drones to the city's police department to serve as first responders to help respond to emergency calls.
Drones as first responders in Minneapolis
What we know:
The council is considering a contract with Skydio, Inc for the "drones as first responders" pilot program.
Under the contract, drones would be deployed to help police respond faster and more efficiently to 911 calls. The drones would serve as an "eye in the sky" for emergency responders before crews get on scene, allowing for them to make informed decisions. The drones would also help first responders root out unfounded or false calls quicker.
This browser does not support the Video element.
Minneapolis considering using drones as first responders to 911 calls
The Minneapolis Police Department is considering joining a small, but growing trend in Minnesota. On Wednesday, city staff will present a drones as first responders pilot program to the public health, safety and equity committee. FOX 9's Maury Glover has more.
Local perspective:
In May, FOX 9 spoke with the Minnetonka Police Department, which is already utilizing the technology. Minnetonka police say out of roughly 600 flights, drones were first to the scene 65% of the time. In about one out of every five cases, they were able to clear the call without sending an officer.
Six drones cost Minnetonka police about $260,000 a year to operate. But the department says the drones will save them money in the long run.
"I do think this is the future of law enforcement. It's smart. You know, equip your officers with the right information. They're going to make better decisions. And this is a really useful tool to be able to do that," Deputy Chief Jason Tait told FOX 9.
Other departments are also using similar drone programs, including Duluth and Brooklyn Park. Edina also began testing their program this year.
Minneapolis is considering implementing a drones as first responders program. (FOX 9)
Public hearing on drones
What they're saying:
Many residents spoke at Wednesday's hearing, with many raising concerns about the company behind the drones, Skydio, Inc, and others worried about potential privacy violations.
"The deployment of autonomous surveillance drones rests on the presumption that the regular people unto themselves are existential threats," said one speaker. "But if you accept and normalize that idea that every single person could be an existential threat, then you have already stripped your own residents of any inkling of humanity."
"Other cities don't have the harmful history of police killings of black people that Minneapolis has. Say their names: Terrance Franklin, Jamar Clark, George Floyd. We need respect for our individuals and shared humanity. More relational work on the ground, not remote drones in the air."
"Every technology given to state and federal law enforcement has been abused," another speaker warned.
Dig deeper:
City emergency officials gave a presentation on the drone program prior to the public hearing.
"Drones are not a replacement for police officers, for firefighters, for EMS personnel or other first responders," said Andy Skoogman with the Office of Community Safety. "They're simply a tool that helps ensure the right resources are sent to the right call at the right time. In some cases, the information gathered, we believe, may confirm that an immediate police, fire or EMS response is needed. In other situations, it may show that a different response is more appropriate, such as dispatching the Behavioral Crisis Response Team or another non-sworn resources."